The nearing completion of the two new residential blocks within the initial phase of the distinctive project in the Las Chumberas area of La Laguna is approaching, particularly the first block, which will consist of 79 residences. According to the Municipal Housing and Services Company (Muvisa) of La Laguna City Council, the construction of this first building is in the final stages, specifically in the finishing phase. The redevelopment and urbanisation efforts are also progressing well.
The organisation anticipates that this block will be ready for completion at the start of 2025, encompassing all the necessary technical and administrative documentation along with mandatory certifications to enable delivery of the homes to the owners.
Regarding the second block of this first phase, featuring 118 flats, commercial spaces, and garages, it has been reported that it is currently 60% complete.
These two structures will facilitate the replacement of the 197 residences that were previously arranged in 10 blocks, which were demolished between January and February 2021.
The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, emphasised yesterday that “the first tower of Las Chumberas is nearly complete and we are optimistic about the progress of the construction on the second tower. This is excellent news for numerous families who have suffered from this prolonged replacement process, but we are doing everything we can to ensure they can move into their new homes as swiftly as possible, given the necessity to finalise the entire administrative procedure and conduct the draw for the residences.”
“Our commitment extends beyond this point. All four administrations involved are dedicated to continuing the reconstruction of the remaining homes affected by aluminosis, allowing all residents of Las Chumberas to reside in their community, which is where they have always wished to be,” he remarked.
In this context, a new meeting of the Monitoring Committee for the agreement relating to the Singular Action of Las Chumberas will occur soon to discuss, among other topics, the final details of this initial phase and the agreements vital for subsequent actions. This committee is comprised of two representatives from the Ministry of Public Works, two from the Autonomous Community, two from the Cabildo, and two from the city council.
The initiative in Las Chumberas, classified as being in the public interest, addresses a longstanding demand from the residents of the area since 2009, when it was discovered that a significant portion of the dwellings were impacted by aluminosis, necessitating temporary relocation of families.
The project is co-financed by the state government, the government of the Canary Islands, the Cabildo, and La Laguna City Council, and is segmented into multiple phases. The total expense for this initial phase is estimated at 25.24 million euros, with contributions from the Ministry of Public Works at 50%; the Government of the Canary Islands at 35%; the Cabildo at 10%, and La Laguna City Council covering the remaining 5%.
On June 19, 2023, an addendum to this agreement was signed, extending its validity until October 31, 2027.
The ongoing first phase involves the demolition of ten blocks, which has already been completed; the construction of 197 new residences along with their garages and commercial areas, divided into two blocks; redevelopment and urbanisation efforts; safety measures needed throughout the development, and the costs related to temporary relocations as required, including facilitating the transition of active businesses in the affected locations.
The new homes offer four varieties, two comprising 3 bedrooms and two having 4 bedrooms, with adaptations for individuals with reduced mobility. The show flat was unveiled in April last year and was open for residents to visit. Besides the bedrooms, the standard apartment also incorporates a bathroom, lavatory, kitchen, lounge, dining area, and terrace.
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The Las Chumberas housing estate was established between 1965 and 1969, comprising 668 dwellings and 79 commercial premises, distributed across 42 blocks. Initially designated as a public housing project, prior to the detection of anomalies, all homes had transitioned to private ownership.
In 2009, aluminosis was identified in block 15, leading to its evacuation and the relocation of its residents. Intemac produced a report, commissioned by the city council, regarding the condition of 41 blocks, finding that 70% of the analysed buildings were affected by aluminosis. Following this, necessary safety measures were implemented, and owners were relocated during construction, with the city council covering rental costs where required.
As the conditions worsened, 83 of the 160 homes in the 10 blocks included in Phase 1 were vacated, and a support line was established for temporary rentals as needed.
In 2019, an updated analysis was presented for 17 additional blocks of the estate, with safety protocols established that would be included in future actions. Moreover, the entirety of Phase 1 was completed by mid-2019, and the 10 blocks were permanently sealed off by the year’s end.
At the beginning of 2020, a further 18 blocks were entirely evacuated for safety purposes and boarded up, with eligible owners receiving rental assistance and being relocated.
In November 2011, the inaugural agreement was established between the four administrations, followed by the signing of extension addenda, new agreements, and various complications, particularly in 2018. In October 2019, the local government at that time managed to sign a new agreement that resolved the situation, and in April 2020, the finalisation of the expropriation file for the homes in the first phase was announced, with initial works commencing in September of that year, including the removal of wiring and other materials, and the demolition of the blocks, starting in January 2021.
